Chili welt. I personally think it would look good. I went same size, but if it's very tight for with regular lining, I might change my size. Will they do Indy lining on a boot?

-Mike

CHili welt with toasted edge?

I tried on the daltons and think i have my size, they aren't super tight but a little snug. Im banking on the fact that once they break in they will loosen up, just like all my other AEs. So I'm thinking i get them with the indy lining, deal with the tight fit for the first handful of wears and then by the time they break in they would be perfect. Anyone else have thoughts on this reasoning?

I started this as a separate thread, but someone suggested I might get good responses posting this here:

I sent a pair of burgundy McAllisters in for re-crafting. The other day I get a call that there was "an issue" and I get to pick any new shoes up to $345. I have no idea what the issue was and the csr said she didn't know. I don't really care. I thought I would just have them send another pair of the same shoe, but, with my options open, I am not so sure. I already have several different styles of brogues and my thought is to maybe get something different. Given you had the option, what would you pick?

Current shoes:
AE suede Strands
AE walnut Sanford
AE black First Ave
Magnanni brownish/burgundy-ish cap toe (not really a cap, but a stitch that makes it look that way
Polo walnuty color that looks like a whole cut but has a wing cap (kinda odd but I really like them)
Vintage Dexter lighter brown longwings
several casual desert boots
Florsheim/Duckie Brown ludgate boots
a couple of different Redwings
several sneakers (trendy and running)

I think you have your bases covered. It's up to your preference I think.

How about some corodovans? Or a dress boot like the dalton.

Quote:

Originally Posted by polojock615

Patriots
Fairfax (you'd have to talk to Allison)
Del Rey
McNeil

Quote:

Originally Posted by peppercorn78

How about a Monk? The Franciscan in merlot is quite purdy. Or a plain toe like Leeds or Kenilworth?

Or maybe something casual, like McTavish or Neumok?

I guess I really don't know what you plan on wearing this with. Do you wear mostly suits? Or biz casual? Jeans?

I've been thinking about several of these mentioned. Dalton, shady branch, Leeds or the monk. Trouble comes in that I am pretty evenly spread between suits, jeans and a dressier casual. Also, I'm a bit insane when it comes to shoes. The number bought and returned for various, ridiculous reasons is a little embarrassing. However, when I keep a shoe, I really, really like it.

I do appreciate the input. I tend to get a little obsessive and some of the comments help me to broaden my thought process.

Those Clark Street use a Red Dainite!! That is awesome because this was not available a few months ago. I had an MTO in mind that I wanted a red sole. Emailing Allison now...

I was excited to see the red Dainite as well. I was contemplating ordering shell Leeds on Dainite, but I pulled myself out of it thinking that black Dainite wouldn't coordinate with the brown shell. Damn, this red sole opens so many possibilities for an MTO I am even scared to think of them.

I think you have your bases covered. It's up to your preference I think.

How about some corodovans? Or a dress boot like the dalton.

Quote:

Originally Posted by polojock615

Patriots
Fairfax (you'd have to talk to Allison)
Del Rey
McNeil

Quote:

Originally Posted by peppercorn78

How about a Monk? The Franciscan in merlot is quite purdy. Or a plain toe like Leeds or Kenilworth?

Or maybe something casual, like McTavish or Neumok?

I guess I really don't know what you plan on wearing this with. Do you wear mostly suits? Or biz casual? Jeans?

I've been thinking about several of these mentioned. Dalton, shady branch, Leeds or the monk. Trouble comes in that I am pretty evenly spread between suits, jeans and a dressier casual. Also, I'm a bit insane when it comes to shoes. The number bought and returned for various, ridiculous reasons is a little embarrassing. However, when I keep a shoe, I really, really like it.

I do appreciate the input. I tend to get a little obsessive and some of the comments help me to broaden my thought process.

If you're looking for universal wearability, I usually reach for Leeds, Macneils penny loafers or tassel loafers. If you have thought about making the jump to shell cordovan, now would be a good time to give it a shot.

Speaking of those burgundy shell Daltons (and of great deals, since they were seconds for only $300), I was hoping some AE shell experts could help me out.

I've found that the more I brush them, the worse they seem to look. In particular, there are tiny dry pin-size dots that appear. I can feel them if I run my finger over it. For some reason it seems to occur more with this brand new AE brush I have than this other Saphir brush I own. Any thoughts on what's going on? Here are a couple photos. You'll notice in one that the shell almost looks scratched from the brushing.

I've had this happen with new Alden shell and, to some extent, my shell Leeds. I find that the shell gets much more resistant to brush marks and those pinpoint light-colored pinheads over the first several wears. Not quite sure why--maybe oxidation or aging of the finish as it's exposed to more air? In any case, you don't need to go crazy on the brushing the first few wears--try again in a week and see if it's any better. Keep us posted...

I'm having a slow process with my Shell Leeds. I stripped them down to almost bare and then after much brushing I strted adding light layers of cordovan polish (Saphir). I find that my shoe seems to do better if it gets worn, almost as if the heat from my foot and the bending of the shoe releases the natural oil or something.

So, my advice, try wearing them in the office or at home, or while driving to work- somewhere that you are alone- and keep wearing/brushing for a week and see what happens?